A Critique
Chan Soo Keng, Fang Siew Fong Hamimah Ali, Phua Hui Bing
Allow curriculum to develop students holistically
Foster student-centered curriculumStudents choose subjects based on aptitudes
and interestStudents study at their own paceMore group work and class discussion
Allow schools autonomy on curriculum and administrative matters
10 year basic common curriculum schemeAbility-driven and minimised of detailed
content guidelinesReduced core subjectsIncrease number of electives
Emphasis on reading (Korean and Foreign languages)
Emphasis on creativity and moral sensitivityUse of outdoor activities for team buildingStudents encouraged to do community
involvement projectsStrengthening the use of ICT
Differentiated learningFast learner: advance programmeSlower learners: supplementary programmes
Expansion of the humanity subjectsExtention of curriculum time
27 hours per week
Partnership with various stakeholdersParents
Parental support for home-based character buildingCommunity
IndustriesSocial organisations
Early Childhood EducationMass media
Foster local and foreign understandingImprove communication skills
Reading ProgrammeTo read outside of curriculum (Korean and foreign
language)A variety of authorised textbooks to be used in schools
Flexibility in operation of curriculumTracking staff (AEDs, FTSC)English Language to be taught in 3rd grade
(Cluster System)Introduction of “Discretion Hours”
Introduction of Experiential LearningShift from knowledge-based to practice-
orientated learningGlobalisation
Linking Korean history to world historyIntroduction of Chinese Language as an
elective
Introduction of New CurriculumLevel orientedIn-depth and supplementaryElective oriented
Change in assessment modeEthical, emotional and practical inputs
Integration of Moral Education into every subject
Incorporation of Special education and education for the gifted
Basic CurriculumFrom Kindergarten to 2nd/3rd year high school
linked to common curriculum is it possible?Compulsory subjects, ECAs and Discretion
Hours contradict development of students
ResourcesThe engagement of circuit teachers will it
affect the bonding? Is there any consistency in the teaching of the moral values?
Autonomy of schools diluted curriculum with every school? Too decentralised?
Reading materials advocated by municipal and provincial education department is there a political agenda? Condusive for critical thinking?
The use of mass media what about the use of cyber space